The Tampa Bay Lightning traded Martin St. Louis to the New York Rangers in exchange for forward Ryan Callahan and a package of draft picks today. The deal sent shockwaves throughout the league, as one team’s captain isn’t often traded for another team’s captain. For both Tampa and New York, today was a franchise defining day.
If there’s one thing I want to note about this deal it’s that New York is mortgaging a significant amount of future for a 38-year-old Marty St. Louis. The Rangers were ranked dead last in this year’s The Hockey News Future Watch, so it appears that Glen Sather and Co. are banking on St. Louis to provide immediate success.
21-30 team report card grades in Future Watch 2014: 21. SJ, 22. Phx, 23. Cgy, 24. NJ, 25. NYI, 26. LA, 27. Phi, 28. Van, 29. Tor, 30. NYR.
— Brian Costello (@bcostellothn) March 4, 2014Following the announcement of the trade, Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman and head coach Jon Cooper both had the opportunity to speak about the transaction. Yzerman appeared slightly nervous, and certainly chose his words carefully. He noted that he was happy to be able to fulfill St. Louis’s request to move on with a deal that netted the Bolts some good pieces in return. He reiterated that his goal is to build a Stanley Cup contending team in Tampa Bay.
Cooper, on the other hand, was a little more to the point. He didn’t shy away from admitting that the St. Louis trade talk had become a distraction in the room, but also qualified that statement by asserting that Marty was a true professional through it all. Cooper sounded genuinely excited about the arrival of Ryan Callahan, as he believes that the former Ranger brings some “snarl… to a Lightning lineup that is certainly lacking bite.
I had noted time and time again before the deal came down that I believed Yzerman needed to rectify this situation before it became a big issue. Contrary to the beliefs of numerous Lightning bloggers, I didn’t believe that this could wait until the offseason. With the team where it is in the standings, the room can’t afford to be dealing with a big distraction. Cooper’s comments combined with Yzerman’s actions affirm that point of view.
Perhaps the most intriguing statement of the day came from the desk of Lightning owner Jeff Vinik. In an open letter to Lightning fans and the public, Vinik openly stated that he wants Ryan Callahan to stay with the Lightning for the long-term.
We are pleased to add Ryan Callahan to our team and we hope to sign him for the long-term. While St. Louis has historically posted more points than Callahan, Ryan is a heck of a two-way player, and he was a fan favorite in New York. We look forward to having him on our team. In short, this is a good deal for Marty St. Louis and his family and a good deal for the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Agent said Yzerman's approach was "refreshing. ... They will allow Ryan to get a feel for the place and the organization."
— Damian Cristodero (@LightningTimes) March 5, 2014Ryan Callahan to @NHLNetwork: "I'm extremely excited. I'm going to a great organization." #TBLightning
— Andrew Astleford (@aastleford) March 5, 2014Of course, there’s a second side to all this. While the Lightning are certainly adding some nice pieces into the fray, as noted above, they are also losing one of the best players to ever wear a Bolts jersey. Martin St. Louis is arguably the greatest player in Tampa’s hockey history, and he will be missed dearly. Some, including yours truly, will question the way he handled his exit. I’m really not sure it matters. This is a player who helped to bring our franchise to hockey’s Holy Grail. This is a player who helped to put hockey on the map in Florida. This is a player who performed at a level that exceeded everyone’s wildest dreams right in front of our eyes. It will be, well, weird not seeing number twenty-six trot out at the Forum moving forward.
Before leaving for New York, Marty wrote a letter to all Lightning fans. I’m not going to dissect it; you can read it for yourself.
Marty St. Louis' letter to #TBLightning fans. pic.twitter.com/vnWjaiuF4s
— Andrew Astleford (@aastleford) March 5, 2014A new era in the Tampa Bay Lightning’s history starts tomorrow. Ryan Callahan will be in the lineup as the Bolts aim to get back on the right track with a win against the Buffalo Sabres. Look for the crowd on hand at the Forum to give him a big welcome. Do you know who else will be in the lineup? Steven Stamkos. At this year’s trade deadline, the Lightning added a 50+ goal scorer, Ryan Callahan, and two very good draft picks. It’s hard not to call that a win.
Finally, thank you to everyone who made this day a fun one to be a part of. That means readers, followers, friends, and fellow HockeyBuzz writers. As always, thanks for reading.